Excerpt and Sweepstakes: Montana Wild by Roni Hall

Synopsis:

Spiraling downward after losing two loved ones within one week, Jamie’s world was crashing down . . . till she grabs an unexpected lifeline and escapes. Knowing only New York City, Montana is another world and she is unprepared by how the land, the people, and even the animals touch her. After risking her life to save a child, Jamie shares an undeniable bond and the beginning ripples of deep emotions with her co-rescuer, Kevin. Her newfound paradise is shattered when her past follows her to Montana and threatens all that she loves there. Jamie has no choice but to hurt Kevin in order to save his life.

Excerpt from Montana Wild:

The force of the water battered Kevin around like a toy but the ropes kept him on course. The anchormen on shore tightened and gave more slack in the lines as needed to direct Kevin to his precious targets. Stumbling repeatedly, the slippery rocky bottom hampered his progress and he went under again and again. The dunkings slowed him and Kevin cursed out loud, trying to regain his balance. Time was his enemy since he was already numb from the icy water. He had to get them out. An eternity passed before he finally made it to the pair.

Tommy was out of the water, lying motionless on his belly on the rock as Jamie held on to the life jacket.

“Jamie, are you okay?” he had to shout. She looked pale but nodded.

“Take Tommy!” she yelled back to him. “I’ll take both of you together!” Jamie shook her head. “No, the water’s too strong. Take

Tommy first.”

Kevin knew she was right, but she didn’t look good. He feared she couldn’t hold on but he also knew he did not have time to hesitate if he wanted to save both of them.

“Tommy!” Kevin shouted to be heard above the water. “Tommy, it’s Uncle Kevin. I want you to move slowly but I want you to come into my arms, like you’re giving me a big hug. I’m going to take you back to your dad. He’s worried about you.”

At the mention of his dad, Tommy’s head perked up. He began to move and reached for Kevin who grabbed him in a bear hug. Turning to look at Jamie, he yelled, “I’ll be back for you. Don’t you let go! Do you hear me? Don’t let go!” he repeated.

“Okay.” She nodded but she did not convince him. “Promise?” “Promise,” she answered with a weak smile. He did not

want to leave but he had no choice, he turned to go. She was right. He couldn’t have held on to both of them in this rough water. Tommy hugged Kevin as he tried to soothe him with words of encouragement.

“It’s okay, buddy, I’ve got you. You’re gonna be okay. Your dad’s waiting for you. You’re gonna be okay.” As Kevin began to walk back, he could feel the sheer power of his friends pulling on the ropes, leading him back to safety. He could not have made it back on his own. His strength was drained from the glacial waters.

As he neared safe water, Rick handed off his rope to another man and ran into the water toward his son. He embraced Kevin and Tommy, then lifted Tommy out of Kevin’s arms and hugged his son like he would never let go. But Rick did let go and handed his son to Mike on shore. “Go warm him up,” he ordered. “We need to get Jamie!”

About the author and where to find her:

The summer after high school graduation, Roni worked two jobs to pay for nursing school. During the midnight shift as a waitress, a charismatic young man at the counter flirted with her for hours as he consumed seven cups of coffee. Their first date was eventful enough to be a book itself! Thirty-seven years and two kids later, the love story continues. Just like her novels, life can’t be too simple and you must make it an adventurous ride! Her favorite place to write is in her hammock at their small Michigan cottage where she literally dodges the feeding hummingbirds while being serenaded by the lake’s loons. Besides writing, she loves Slow Rollin’ in Detroit and the combination of good food, better wine, and dear friends.